Popping-machine.



No. 864,685. PATENTED AUG. 27, 1907 N. B. POST, PGPPING MACHINE. APPLIUATION FILED 1. 30.511.1904.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

PATENTBD AUG. 27, 1907.

N, B. POST.

PUPPING MAGHINB.

APPLICATION FILED DEO.31.1904.

5 SHEETS--SHEET 2.

PATENTED AUGJ27, 1907. N. B. POST. POPPING MACHINE.-

APPLIUATIOH FILED DEC. 31,1904.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

No. 864,685 PATENTED AUG. 27. 1907 N. B. POST POPPING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED BBQ-31. 190-1.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

PATENTED AUG. 27, 1907.

N. B. POST. POPPING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED DBO. a1, 1904 .To all whom it may concern.-

' )o nin clnnnher lllziV he used ioi' thus 'lntcd from end to end oi the-popping chmnher or cylin- 'ontly appear, the invention consists in the features oi NATHANXEL l3. POST, 01 ST. LGULES MISSOLRI, 1

PATENT oi nieit OF CHICAGO, lLLINOIS, A (JORPORA'llON.

Application filed December {-21,

Be it known that i, NATHANIEL B. Pos'r, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of St. Louis, State of Missouri, have invented. certain new and useful Iniprovements in Popping-Machines, of which the following is declared to be a full, clear, and exact description.

The improvement relates to a machine for popping corn, (1nd in pariicu'l or to that class of popping inzu-hincs in which the corn is placed in arotary cylinder pro--" vided with' moons for separating and delivering the popped corn. In prior machines of this type, it inner essnry to arrest the operation of the iiiochinc from time to time in. order to dincliarge the waste corn; that is the corn which, for one reason and another will not pop and imperfectly popped cornj Such lnzndiines are necessarily wasteful, since if it is stopped by the operator too soon, some oi the good corn is wasted, whereas if it is not stopped soon enough the h enteniployed is not economicnlly utilized.

The chief object of thornenent invention is to provide a. machine which is continuous in opemtion. That is to my, one in which the fresh corn is continuously led to the popping chulnbcr. The popped corn is continuously separated and removed therefrom and means 1 '0 provided for continuously and automatically delivering the waste corn.

Other ohjectis oi the invention arc to provide meiins whorchy the corn may he grzulually brought to popping heat ll-11d whereby the hoot that is not utilized in the preliminary heating the new corn.

The invention also hooks to provide moons whereby the corn to he popped may he gradunlly fed from end to end of the popping chamber or cylinder in eontart with the outer surface thereof, and the waist 1 automatic ally diselntrged at one end of the cylinder. Means are also provided whereby the hettt may he vurinldy roguder, no that there may he on little waste on posnihle. I

' Another object of the invention is to provide means to protect the popped corn on soon as it is separated from the nnpopped corn, from the lhnncol the goo hornere, or other eonrce oi hoot employed.

With thoselind other objects in view, as will mew (tillflll'lll"iilll, conninmtionsnnd .irrmnrenientn ol' partr hm-einoi'tr-r s t iorlh, illustrated in the :u'vmnpiinying drawings and more particohn'ly pointed out in the oppendr-d vlnims.

ln .:.lndrnwinge, Figure 1 l8 :1 Hide ch-ration oi the improved popping nnurhine. Fig. 2 in no elevnt-iim of the delivery end of the same. Fig '3 in on t-luviitirin of Specification. of Letters Patent.

PGPLPING-M ACHINE Potent-ed Aug. 55 153%5.

1904. Eel-ind No. 239,933-

the machine with the heating and popping i': linders shown in elevation. Fig. 6 is a. longitudinal section of the preliminary hiiting cylinder. Fig. 7 is a detail .illZCilOil of the feed-hopper taken on line '5' of Fig. Figs. 8 and fl are enlarged detail cross SGCiiUll oi the heating cylinder taken on lines 8-8 and 9--9 of Fig. 6. Fig. 10 is an enlarged .ioiagitudiinil section of thepopping cylinder. Figo.'l1, 12, 13, 1t and 16 are detail cross sections taken on correspoinliiigly numbered lines on Fig. 1.0. Fig. i7 is on enlarged detail view: of parts shown in Figs. /Z JISnnd 1o.

The machine casing coinpriees :1 lower llliii portion 10 in the upper portion of which and to one side of the center, is arranged the lire hex ll. 'lhc i nhtrged nniin portion oi the machine raising within which is located the popping chamber or cylinder 12, is minimized upon the base 10 and is horizoninlly divided inline with the axis of the popping cylinder into upper and lower one tions 13 and 14. A hood 15 within which is mounted the rotatable heating cylinder 16, is mounted centrnuy upon the upper casing ecction 13.

The preliminary herding cylinder 16 is formed of wire gauze of fine mesh and is provided with hoods 3'2 {and 18 mounted upon it elnifl Iii). Shaft i9 is jonrunled at. one enrLin an upright 20 and at the opposite end journzded in a poir oi bince Sim-p5 21 (see Fig. 3') secured to the casing, 13.

The hopper 22 within which the with to be p rma. is plan-mi, is secured to the hood 1?) or the inlet end of thelieztting cylinder 16. A cylinder vnlic 21; (or-o Figa o, 6 and 7) is mounted upon one end of the shaft 19V to rotate therewith and is secured, as shown, lo the head 18 of the heating cylinder. Cylinder valve 22-, rotates, as shown, at the lower discharge end .22 of hopper 22 and is provided with an inclined p e which opcnsitt its inncrenol through the hood iii of the heating cylinder. The opposite outer end of the pew sage 24 is placed, once every rcvolin'ion, in {'Olilll'llllliat/ion with the hopper 22 so that, at each revolution a charge of corn pauses from the hopper '22 into the heating cylindciflo. A sliding gate 25 is arinngod to vary the size of the dieclnnge outlet '22" of the hopper 22, so that the feed ol-eorn tom "the hopper only he nicely regulated.

ll. heating g \'lin.der it; is divided by :1 .llilliliHl oi vertirnl (rims partitions All and 27, into :1 series oi conixn'ti'rienln I The partitions 2i; and 27 are :ilternaiolj. arranged as nhown. i l-och partition 1!? is provided. at its periphery or edge poi'liru withlinopening 19 end with an liar-lined il or ilk) \"ihit'li projeifte luternlly toward the inlet end he ryliudor and into contact with the edjiu-eni rl iron lid Enidi piii iiiiion $3 3 in prt'n'idod :11 its writer with on opeiti g ill and with an offset conicalporiioii I32, Mill-L 2y i leading from the opening ill. and projecting laterally therefrom toward the inlet end ot';thc cylinder into the udjztcent compartment 25, and into engagement with the adjacent; partition 27. Finch sectional portion is provided with n lateral inlet 33 (see Fig. 8). In the compartments 28 of the heating cylinder are arranged spiral stri. Flat ttnd 35, which are preferably formed of fine wire gauze. The spirals 34 and are alternately arranged in the series 01" compartments 28 and, as indicated in Figs. 8 and 9. are coiled in opposite directions. That is to say, spirals 34 are so coiled that as the cylinder rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow. the separate charges ol corn fed into the heating cylinder by valve 24, will pass from the center of the spiral optwru'dly to the periphery of the cylinder 16. Whereas spiral 35 coiled in the opposite direction is connected at one end to the cylinder 16 and will feed the separate charges of corn from the periphery to wards the center as the heating cylinder rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow s.

The separate charges of corn are led by valve 23 into the center of the first compartment 28 and into the center of the first spirttl 34. In this first compartment and lirst spiral the separate charges of corn are fed on t- Wurdly t0 the periphery of the cylinder and at this point, are met by the deflecting plate 30, of the ttljttCCll't partition 26 and deflected through the opening 2?) into the second cinnpurtmcnt. The separate s of corn are then picked up upon the spiral 35 on led thereby to the center of the second compartnn in through the opening 33, into the conical portion invent 'puriit ion 26 and through the opening in. the purtition 26 into the third com iiu'tment. The corn is led in like manner through the remaining contipiirtments so that the sop-mute charges of corn are gradually fed from end to end of the heating cylinder, and as they are so fed are alternately passed back rind forth from the periphery to the center thereol' upon the spirals .l-l 211N135 so that they are at all times agitated and turned over and over to expose all portions of each kernel to uniformly and gradually raise the temperature of the corn.

The preliminary hcztter l6 utilizes the hot air and products of combustion pussing from the main casing 13- 14 and which would otherwise be wasted. The upper portion of the casing section 13, preferably forms a partition between the interior of the main casing rind the hood l5. and this partition is provided with n, si-rics oi o )tlllll S 36. A valve or "ate 5 is inl'ufiifi'li to slide upon the ripper luce ol' the casing section l1) illlll is provided with Ll. corresponding series of opi'enings 3% rid-apt d to r gister to e great or less extent with the openings fi l, and thus regulate the umount of heat which passes to-the preliminary healer '16. The hcttt to cylinder l o hould be so regulated that the corn therein -will be ctmsidcr-Ably' heated preparatory to popping, but. will not he popped in this preliminary heating cylinder.

The discharge end of the heating cylinder it; delivers into it hopper 3.) connected to the end of the hood l5 and depending therefrom as shown. This hopper is arranged to llKllVtl' the corn into the popping Popping tie sees 40 and 4t. A short journal or stud 42, fixed to the head 40 at the inlet end of the popping cylinder, is mounted in suitable bearings upon a bracket 43 fixed to the end of the casing section 14. A delivery cone 44 [or the popped corn, is set within the popping c \'l- 70 inder 12. Its larger delivery end projects beyond the head il of the popping cylinder and extends through the end wall of the main casing 13 H (see Figs. 5 and 10). A cross piece 45 is fixed in;(liiunetrical position at the outer end of the cone 44 and is pivotclly connected by a bolt 46 to the cross piece or support 47. Support 47 is secured as shown, to the outer face of the lower casing section 14 (see Fig. 2). The pivot belt or journal lo-is in line with the stud or journal 42 and rotstahlysupports the delivery end of the cone 44 and popping cylinder 12.

A'shert counter shaft 48 (see Sig. l), carries a pulley 49.011 its outer end by which it Iney be belted to any suitable source of power. A pinion 50 on shaft 48 meshes with the gear 5l-up0n the outer end of the journal 42 so that the popping cylinder is slowly rota'ted thereby. The preliminary heating cylinder 16 is preferably driven in unison with the popping cylinder by a chain 52, which passes over sprockets of equal size mounted upon the journal 42 and the end of shaft 19.

As stated, the hopper 39 receives the corn from the heating cylinder 16 and its lower end abuts against an enlarged cylindrical portion 53, upon the stud or journal 42 (see Fig. 10). lhis portion oi the stud or jourml 42 forms, in effect. a cylindrical valve and is provided with e pe -age 54 having an inclined bottom which opens at its inner end through the head 40 of the popping cylinder. The outer end of the passage. 54 is arranged to communicate once every revolution with the lower discharge end of the hopper 39, so that the separate charges of corn are led at regular intervals into the popping cylinder.

A series of partitions 55, 56 and 57 arranged closely adjacent one another at the inlet end of the popping cylinder, l'orm chambers or compartments 58 which constitute an additional preliminary heater for the corn and in which it is raised to popping heat. These partitions arid chambers formed thereby, together 'with the spiral strips 59 and 60, arranged in the chambers, are similar in constructionto those of the preliminary heater 16. The spiral strips 59 and 60 m as shown, preferably formed of fine wire gauze.

The separate charges ol corn are ted through the passage 5 t into the central portion of the first chamber 5S and into the central portion of the spiral 59 therein.

This spiral is so wound that as the cylinder rotntes in the direction of the arrow (see Fig. 11) the separate charges of corn Will be fed outwardly towards the periphery oi the cylinder 12. At this point the adjacent partition 55 is provided with an opening 61 and an inclined defiectorGZ, which projects later-.illy into the first compartment 58 rind into engagement 'with the cylinder head 40 so that; the separate charges of corn are deflected at this point by the plate (32 from the first compartment 58 through the opening til into the second compartment. The spiral coil (30 in the second compartment is connected at one end to the cylinder l2 and is wound in the opposite direction (see Fig. 12), so that the separate charges of corn are fed 130 llO towards the center of the cylinder and there delivered into a. conical deflector 88. Deflector 63 is connected to the partition 56 and communicates with the central opening in-the partition. The deflector is also provided (see Figs. and 12) with a lateral opening 64 I separate charges of corn are passed from the center towards the periphery. At the latter point, partition 57 is provided with an opening and an inclined deilector plate by whichthe separate charges of corn are deflected into the popping cylinder proper;

As well understood, it is desirable to removethe corn l'rozn the heat soon as it is popped, end ior this reason it is not desirable that the corn should he popped in the heating chambers 58, since they are not provided with means lor separating the pimped corn, but only that in these chambers the corn should be heated to or approximately to the popping heat and delivered into the popping chamber.

In popping rn it is desirable that the corn should be gradually brought to poppingheat and that each and every kernel should be thoroughly and uniformly heated through. With the construction described, the sepsrate charges of corn are led gradually through the preliminary heater l6 and. the heating chambers as back and forth between the center and periphery of the cylinder ill and of the cylinder 12 by the spirals, and

. at the same time the corn. is turned over and over so that the kernels are gtoldually and uniformly heated through and delivered into the popping chamber proper of the cylinder 12in the right condition to obtain the best results. I

' lln prior popping riiachines of this type, as soon the comto be popped is delivered into the popping chamber and in contact with the outer popping surface thereof, it isjree to spread itself over the bottom portion of the cylinder from end toend and as stated, such machines must be topped from time to time in Order to discharge the waste corn. In the present invention, sui able means are provided in'the popping chamber proper to retard the passage of the corn from end. to end and so as to prevent the corn, as soon as it reaches the cylinder, from. spreading out over the bottom. iliy this means, a. gradual or retarded. feed of the corn is offoctcd from one end to the other of the popping cylinder, so

that only waste corn, which for one reason and another,

will not pop, reaches the outlet end of the cylinder and 1 l is discharged thorelromin this manner, the opera tion of the machine is rendered continuous. i

The gradual retarded iced of the cum from one end to the other of the popping cylinder, is preferably I ,lxiccted by making the outlet end of the cylinder arm.

what larger than its inlet end. That is to say, the head 41 is slightly larger than the head 40, so that the lower ists, towards the discharge and. The loo mpidniovochamber proper oi the cylinder 12- into a niimber of comparatively large compartments or. The partition. A

66 at the extreme right is located closely adjacent the head 41 so that it forms a. comparatively small coinpartment 69. l 1

Each of the partitions 661s provided at one portion on its periphery, with an opening 70 and with an inclined deflector plate'il, which extends from the forward edge of the opening 70 and. projects laterally towards the discharge end oi the popping cylinder. 'While the popping cylinder 12 rotates, the corn of course remains always in the bottol'n portion thereof. The openings 70are arrangcd in line (see Figs. 5 and 10) and once every revolution these openings conic opposite the body of the unpopped. corn in the bottom of the cylinder so that a srnitll portion will pass from each compartment into the next adjacent compartinent ncarer'to the dis charge end of the cylinder. The deflector plates 71 are so located that as the cylinder rotates in the direction ol the arrow sec Fi n 5 it will revent an corn from Y passing from one o{ the compartments ii? back into the compartment nearer to the inlet end of tlie'wyliodeix in this manner, the uupoppod corn is fed gradually through the several compartments of the popping'oylindei: l2 and all popped corn is separated therefrom, ashereinaitcr described, and delivered through the cone ll. The iced oi the corn and the hoat is so rogulated that any unpoppcd corn which rcachos the com- DilYLlllUlll. (i9 is Waste, that is to say, corn which for one iis point and outside of tho coru- 44.

c linder is irovidcd with sewn-rotor screen 75 of coarse l ll1 LSll (see Figs. l0, l4, l5 and lo). This sopamtor screen is segmental in section and secured at one edge to the outer fine gauze cylinder .12 and at its ethos edge to an inclined strip 76 which extends from the head ll to the partition 57 and through the compartimmts (l7 and '69 of the popping cylinder. The separator screen 75 is so loczited that as the cylinder rotates in the diroc- Figs. ll, l5 and 1(5) the corn in tier-1 oi the arrows (400 the bottom of tho cyl'unloi' l2 will he picked 'up and the large, perfectly poppedwzorn is remitted-upon the separator screen 75 while the unpoppod or imperfectly popped corn will quickly pass therctbrougli back onto the outer surface of the cylinder l2. .The corn passing through the separator screen 75 is subsequently popped had picked up hy the screen or passes as Waste out of the discharge opening 72.

" The screen cylinder 12 and the separator screen 75 are prolcmbly connected together hy b. from of joint illustrated in (lutxtil in Fig. 17. As shown, the edges of the cylindrical screen .ltl are secured to a lougivttulilutll y extending strip 1.2,lmviligicvorsod edge per: titnislnto which the reverted edges of the screw. lit extend. it longitudinally extending inctalpla'tu or strip 75. extends within one of the reverted edges of the plate 12 and the screen 75 is secured thereto, as shown. The plate 75 prevents small sized kernels of popcorn from passing through the screen 75 at this point and wcdging in the narrow angle between the screen 75 and 'the screen 12. By this means, the dilliculty noted and heretofore frequently encountered in machines of this type, is obviated.

The partitions 66 are provided with openings through which the delivery cone 44 extends. 'lhc se openings in the partitions vary in size in accordance with the contour of the cone. The inner end of the cone 44 is provided with a head 77 which abuts against the partition 57.' A bolt 78 extends through the partitions 55, 57 and a nut 79 threaded thereon engages the head 77. Pivoted clips 79 fastenthe coneg l i to the head 41 of the popping cylinder.

For convenience in repairing and cleaning the machine, the cone 44 is preferably removable and for this purpose, the cross strap 47 (see Fig. 2) is pivoted at one end to a bracket 80 fixed to the casing section 14 and the other end is slotted to detach-ably engage a lug 81 upon a bracket 82. A pin 83 passing through a hole in the lug 81 normally h'blds the cross piece 47 in place. 13y removing the pin 83 strap fi7 may be swung aside, then by removing the nut 79 upon bolt 78 and shifting by turning clips '79 the delivery cone 44 may he slipped ironiplac e and access had to all portions of the popping cylinder.

The delivery cone 44 is provided with a slot or an opening 84 (see Figs. l0, l4, l5 and 16) which extends horizontally throughout the greater part of the length of the cone and communicates with all of the popping a the cylinder.

compartments (:7 and (39 oi the cylinder 12. A lip 85 formed on the cone at one side of the opening 84 is arranged to loosely engage or abut against the strip 76 to which the inner edge of the separator screen is connected. As the cylinder rotates the popped corn passesirom the separator screen 75 through opening 84 into the interior of the delivery cone is and from thence quicld y passes out of the large open end of the delivery cone into a suitable receptacle placed to re-i ceive' the/same The inner end of the cone 44 is provided with inclined plates 86 which assist in throwing the corn towards the large outlet end of the (zone. The outer 'end oi,the cone is provided with portions 87 formed of gauze of coarse mesh so that any unpopped eornor nny imperfectly popped corn sifts from the cone back into A. deflector 88 is fixed at its forward edge to a strip secured to the inner face of the cone 14 and extending longitudinally throughout the greater portion of its length. The deflector 88 extends rearwardly (i. a. in a direction oppositeto the "n which the cylinder rotates) and partially over the lpngitudinal opening 84, and this deflector is preferably formed of gauze or coarse mesh so that while it prevents tlielarge perfectly popped corn from passing back into the cylinder through the opening 84, it sifts from the wellpoppcd corn all uupopped and imperfectly popped corn which passes back into the cylinder.

All unpoppcd corn sifted out by the screens 75, 87 and 88 passes back, as described, into the cylinder l2 and is there popped and picked up by the separator sercon7ii while the imperfectly popped corn and waste the burners. These deflectors are pivotally mounted passes out as dcsryrihed, through the opening 72, hopper 73 and discharge spout 74.

After the corn is popp d it is liable to become charred or otherwise damaged ii xposed to too much heat, and should be removed soon as possible. For this eeson 7 the cone 44 is given a sharp pitch. To protect the popped corn on the separator screen 75 from the heat, the several compartments are provided Wi imperfomt'e shields or bafile plates 99 segmental in section, as shown, and interposed between the separator screen 75 and the outer wall of the cylinder 12, These shields or bathe plates 90 are formed in sections, as shown with I an opening 91 between the sections so that the 2) file plates will not materially interfere with the passage of the unpopped corn back 'onto the surface oi the outer cylinder 12.

To protect the popped corn in the delivery cone the two compartments 7 nearer the outlet end/a e provided with imperlorate bottles or shields 72, which are segmental in section and extend the CID through hood 93 into the hood l5 and ntii preliminary heater l6. "io permit the ready iG 'llflVill oi the cone 44 the lower portion of the hood is hinged as all)?! so thstqit be wung p oiit oi th way My the rotation of the cylir rot in the the arrow (see Fig. l) the corn in the bottom cylinder is carried somewhat to ones! hali of the cylinder which is moved up this reason the fire he); .ll (seejrig. is l. neath that half of the cylinder which moves up ,lieretofore it has 'oeen thought 216005? r the burners or other source oi heat di ,ctly beneath and closely adjacent the cylinder for best i to avoid loss of heat. It is found however, tnat cho ing of the pop-corn is avoided i the burners r somewhat below the bottom he cylinder. For this reason, the burners '35 are located at the lower portion of the lire box and to avoid all loss of heat, the walls 96 of the fire box, are made double and tilled with an intermediate packing 97 of asbestos or other suit able material. 7 1

The burners i)5"are preferably of the. Bunsen type and supplied with a mixture 0t air and gas tl" high the inlet pipes 98. Qther hes ting means may he used if desired.

Preferably, several burners are ernplmgod arranged in series at different points throughor' the length of the popping cylinder. Vertically disposed deflector plates 99 are arranged adjacent and between 120 at their lower ends upon rods 100 which extend through the outer wall of the fire box and casing; (see Fig. l) and are provided with adjusting-handles FOL Each of the inlet pipes 98 to the burners, are provided .with valves 102 and sight openings 103 are fixed in the wall of the base portion .10, so that the condition of each one of the burners may be rapidly insp cte'd. The valves l02 for controlling the amount of gas to the burners and the balllcs 99, are used or variably regulating the heat at different points along the length cylinder. For example, it will generally be do a l to direct the heat towurdtho inlet'end of the 'llllllfll' uml Lleep I-lllfi end more highly heated than tho outlet enrl, so blllt'l} the corn will be rapidly popped in: it enters the popping clnunbcr, und so that there will be lczs (longer of burning thepoppecl corn at the discharge eml of tho cylinder. 1i however, it is found that good unpoppecl corn is being discharged at the wocte opout M, more heat will be directed to the outlet cl oi. the cut The l'aottom. oi the fire box 12 is provided r door 104. which may be opened for cleaning the fire be null 'thc lnlrners.

'Tlll. improved popping machine may be operated con'tlnumroly. Frouh oor n. is led in. separate charges through the proliniiuory heater l6 and the preliminul'y hear .ing chambers 58 in cylinder 12. It is here thonougbly agitated and uniformly and gradually brought to pooping bout. In the popping compartments 6'? onol fill, of tho cylinder l2, the corn is popped and the perfectly popped. corn quickly and rapidly re moved While the imperfectly popped. corn and other Waste is ziutomuticully and continuously delivered through tho hopper 73 and spout 7 1. The amount oi corn null the boot to the popping cylinder 12 and pro liuimu'y lreutor l6, may-be nicely regulated so that the machine may be operated with little waste of corn and. with economy in the amount of gas used.

ilufln'l. 15 is provided at its discharge end with a. voutiiotion flue or chimney 105, which is provided with a. damper 1.06 by which the passage of hot air and products of combustion through the machine may be iurtlicr regulated. A door 107 in the side of the casing 13, perrnite the inspecuon of the operation oi the moehiue from ti no to time.

It is ob'vious thnt numerous changes may he made in the details of structure without departure from the cssentiulu of the invention.

Having described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent ls:-

In an automatic, continuously operating popping ma.- cllluo. the combination of a popping chamber. menus or- :zuugoll lo effect a contlnuous. retarded feed of the un popped corn through said chamber, in contact with the outer pooping surface thereof andnmnns arranged to contlnuoiusl plifilfi the popped corn from the popphn; surl'zrcc ulnl discharge the some from thc clmmbr, subsmn' tlully as (loocribocl.

:3. In 1m automatic, continuously operating popping mucblnc, the comblnation ot' a popping chamber having on lnloi. For corn and a. discharge more: for waste, means urru ruged a con Linuous, gr-nlnul feed oi the unpoppoll com roug. coi chamber from said lnlot to said waste until :uul moons arranged. to continuously separate the popped corn o1: points lntermedlulo said inlet and outlet and to ('k tlnuou'sly discharge the some from the popping chamber, substantially was described.

3%. In on kiutomatlc, .ontlnuo'usly operating popping ma chine, the combination 01' n. popping chambcr having on lnlol; for corn all: one end and a discharge outlet for waste ill. tho. opposite end and havingnn Inclined popping surl'ucc arm to ollocli a gradual fecll l the unpopped corn flu-un l the popping chamber from suid inlet to sold waste outlet. moons For retarding the uussugc of thc unpopperl 'fil'll over tlro popping surfuci: from swirl inlet to fillld outlcl. und u separator urmugcd to continuously rcmovo tho pnoncu on I from all portions of the popping surface and lo llnclmroc the some from the planning chamber, substuutiully :ls lee food.

In on automatic, continuously opcl'utiug popping inolilo combination of 1) lug; chamber, of. menus my linrlor or the supply or corn will beranged to cllfeot the continuous gradual feed of the unnopned corn through said chamber from end to end tbcreof, menus arranged to continually sc nu-alc the popped corn from all portions of the poppllu; chmnber and discharge the some thcll'afron'l and menus for vzu'lubly regulutlng the application ol bout to. (lllferent points ol said chamber from and to end lhorcolf, substuntlully as. described.

5. In on automatic, continuously oporullnu )Oppillg um clllnc,'1.bc combination of u revolublc popping cylludcl', moving, an inlet for corn and a discharge oul'lclv for waste, lnctms for oiled-lug :1 continuous. gradual, rolzu'rlcll feed ol the unpoppvd col-n through sulll popping cylinder from sulrl inlet to null out of sold \vusfe outlet and menus ar ranged to continuously sonar-lilo tho popped corn at points intermediate sold lnletund suid \vnsto outlet and to continuously discharge the some from. tho popping clnimbor, substuutlulLv' as (loscl'lbcd.

ll. In an automatic. continuously oncrnllug popping: muclllnc, the comblnutlon ol :1 rovoluble popping cylinder lnwjng an inlet for the uupoppcd corn at one end and u (lisclnrru'c outlet for waste aL its opposite curl, moans urrungcll to effect a retarded, continuous l'ccl'l of lbo un popped corn Llu'ougbsald cylinder from sulrl inlet to said n'usrc outlet und :1 slpurutor iii-rumor! to remove the poppcll corn from! 'ull portions of tho popping chumbor of said cylinder between said inlet and oullct and to discharge the sumo tbclicflom, substantially us llcscrlbcll.

7. In on automatic, continuously operating popping Inul-hlno, the combination of a. l'ovolublo popping cyllnrlcr having an inlet for tho uupopnod corn n: one and and u (lisclnirgc outlet for waste at itsopnosltc cml, moons url'angcil to cllcct u retarded, continuous food of the unpoppcd corn through said cylinder from soul iulcl to said \vusio outlet, o, luaporul'ol' arranged to remove the poppel corn from tho popping clnuuboi' of sold cyllud bolwcou sold inlo. :nnl oulil'outlct and lo lllschurgo lho [me then Horn and menus for variably rcg'ulutlxu: the application of libci'eol', substul'lliully as described.

3:4. in on automatic, coutlnuously operullug popping: unr

chino. the combination of :l popping clnunbor ha vlng an inlet for tho unnopnod corn at: one end, a. discharge outlet for waste at the opposite end and an inclined bottom nor tlon between said inlet and outlet arranged to effect u grznluul food of the unpopned corn through sulrl chamber from said inlet to and through sulll waste outlet, :1 so'l'les olf bulll ranged to I'Etill'll tbe l'ecd of the unpoppcd corn over shill inclined bottom portion and moons above said bottom portion and sold bullles arming-ed to continuously separate the popped corn at points between sold inlet and said outlet and to rllsclnirgge the some from the popping chamber, substantially as described.

Q. In a popping machine, the combination of a popping bor lnivlng an inlet for corn at one end and a dis- ,l'gc ounot for waste at its opposite curl, a series 01' bulllcu for rcturolng the feed of corn from sold inlet to sale. waste outlet and means between the bolllcs for separoll the popped corn, subsl'untlnlly as described.

10. In a popping mnclunc, the combination with u rev olublev popping cyllndcr, ol separator menus in said cyl imler for S'(Elll0\'lfl. the. popped corn, and a. series of bullies between soul scpurulors and the outer wall at said cylinder 'loi' retarding the food of unpoupcd corn there through, substantially as described.

11. In an uutonnrtlc, continuously operating popping machine, the combination of a revoluble popping cylinder, means fonl'ccdlug unpoppotl corn into one end of sold cyl' inder, said cylinder having auincllncd bottom portion arranged to effect a gradual feed of the uilpopped COlll from the lnletend to the opposite end of sold cylinder, :1 series of bnllles arranged between the ends ol sold cylinder arranged to retard the fced of tho unpopped corn thcrc through and sepurutor means extending through sulll cyllnrlcr arranged to continuously separate the popped corn and discharge the samclfrom snlll cylln(lcr, substantlolly as described. i i

12. In an automatic, continuously ope-ruling popping ma chine, the combination of u rcvolublo popping cyllnder'lmvpopped corn into said inlet, said popping cylinder having an inclined bottom portion for effecting the continuous, e radual feed of the unpoppcd corn through said cylinder from said inlet to said waste outlet, a series of ballles arsed to 1 ard the teed oi the unpoppcd corn through the cylinder from said inlet to said waste outlet and separator means extending between said inlet {ind said outlet and arranged to continuously separate the popped corn and discharge the same from said cylinder, substantially as described.

11;. Inpopping machines, the combination with a popping chamber having an inclined bottom portion, a. series of cross partitions arranged between the ends of said chamher and dividing the same into compartments, openings in said partitions through which the unpopped corn is fed and means in each of said compartments for removing the popped corn, substantially as described.

ll. In popping machines, the combination with a revoluble popping cylinder, of a series of cross partitions arranged between the ends of said cylinder, openings in the outer edge portions of said partitions through which the unpopped corn is fed, and separator means between each pair oi partitions for removing the popped corn, SllilStfllltially as described.

15. In popping machines, the combination with :1 revoluble popping cylinder, of a series of cross partitions ar ranged between the ends of saidcylinder dividing the some into compartments, openings in the outee edge portions of said partitions through which the corn is fed, separator means in said compartments for removing the pop corn and a couveyer extending through said partitions and communicating with said separator means, substantially as described.

16. In popping machines, the combination with a row oluhle popping cylinder having an inlet for corn at one end and a dis hargc outlet tor'waste at its opposite end, a series of cross partitions between the ends of said cylinder, openings in the outer edge portions of said parti' lions through which the uupopped corn is fed from said .iulet to said waste outlet and means for removing the popped corn, substantially as described.

17. In poppi s; machines, the combination with a revoluble. popping cylinder having an inlet for corn at one end and a discharge outlet for waste at its opposite end, a series of cross partitions between the ends of said cylinder, opening-s in the outer edge portions of said partitions through which the uu'popped corn is fed from said inlet to said waste outlet, a separator sieve between each pair of partitions for removing the popped corn and a delivery chute extendingthrough said partitions and communicating with said separator sieve, substantially as described.

1R. In popping machines, the combination with a revoluble poppingcylinder having an inclined bottom portion, of

a series of cross partitions having openings in their outer edge portions for regulating the feed of the unpopped corn over said inclined bottom portion and means for removing the popped corn, substantially as described.

15). In popping machines, the combination with a revoluble popping cylinder having an inclined bottom portion and havingan inlet for corn at one end and an outlet for waste at the opposite cud, a series of cross partitions having openin in their outer edge portions for regulating the teed or. n over said inclined bottom portion and between said inlet and said Waste outlet, and a separator sieve between said partitions'for removing the popped corn,

substantially as d 2b. In an automatic, continuously operating popping machine. the combination with a horizontal, revoluble popping ind'er having an inlet for nnpopped corn one end and a di, large outlet for was at the opposite end and having an inclined bottom portion arranged to effect a gradual teed oi": the unpopped corn over such bottom per tion from said inlet to and out of said waste outlet, means f0l 1:tL(iiDg unpoppcd corn to aid cylinder through said inlet and a combined separating and discharging device disposed in said cylinder between said inlet and said waste outlet, arranged to eontinuousiy separate the popped corn from all portions of said cylinder and to continuously discharge the same therefrom, substantially as described.

21. In an automatic, continuously operating popping machine. the combination of a horizontal, revoluble popping cylinder having an inlet for the unpopped corn at one end. means for continuously feeding the unpoppcd corn id cyiindcr thro said inlet, the opposite dismd ot said cylini or being; slightly larger 'lha'n said inlet end to effect the gradual feed 01' the unpopped corn over the inclined bottom portion thereof, a series of bullies in said cylinder arranged to regulate the feed of the unpopped corn over the inclined bottom portion of said cyliir der and a separator extending through said cylinder and arranged to continuously separate the popped corn from all parts of the iu iined bottom portion thereof between said inlet and said outlet and to continuously discharge the same from said cylinder, substantially as described.

22. in a popping machine, the combination oi a horizontal, revoluble popping, cylinder havingan inlet for corn, the opp: the inlet, a series of cross partitions having openings in tin outer edge portions and arranged between the ends of said cylinder for regulating the feed of nnpopped corn over the inclined bottom portion of said cylinder, separator sieving means arranged between said partitions for removing the pi \ped corn and a conveyor extending iilll'l)l1;.=,ll said partitions communicating; with said sieving- IULtli'JS, subslantialiy 42S described.

23. In an automatic, continuously operating popping machine, the combination with a horizontal, revoluble popping cylindcr having an inlet for the unpoppcd corn at one end and a discharge outlet for waste at its opposite end, means for continuously feeding unpopped corn into said cylinder through said inlet, the opposite discharge end of said cylinder being slightly larger than said inlet end to effect the gradual feed ot the unpopped corn through said cylinder from said inlet to and out of. said waste outlet and over the inclined oo lll portion thereof, and a combined separating and discharging device disposed in said cylinder between saidinlct and said waste ou let arranged to continuously separate the unpoppcd corn and to continuously discharge the same from said cylinder, substantially as described.

:24. in a popping machine. the combination of a horizon tal, revolubie popping cylinder having an inlet for corn, the opposite end of said cylinder beingslightly larger than the inlet, a discharge outlet t'or waste at the larger end of said cylinder, a series of cross partitio ns dividing the cylinder into compartments and having openings in their outer edge portions for regulating: the teed of unpopped corn and a separator sieve in said compartments for removing the popped corn. substantially as described.

In popping machines, the combination with a revoluble popping cylinder having an inlet for corn at. one end. a series oi cross partitions having openings in their outer edge portions for regulating the feed of unpopped corn toward the opposite end of said cylinder, deflector plates opposite said openings for preventing the return movement of the corn and means for removing the unpopped corn, substantially as described.

26. in an automatic, continuously operating popping machine, the combination of a revoluble'popping cylinder,

havingan inlet for the unpoppcd corn at one end, an; us for continuously feeding the unpopped corn into said cylinder through said inlet, a. separator sieve in said cylinder for continuously, removing the popped corn and means out side oi said sieve arranged to effect a gradual, retarded feed for the unpopped corn from said inlet toward the oppos 0 end of .id cylinder and over the outer wall thereof, substantially as described.

27. in an autoun tic, continuously operating popping machine, the combination of a revoluble popping cylinder having an inlet for the unpopped corn at one end, means for continuously foodie" the 'unpopp der through said inlet, separator icve extending through said cylinder arranged to continuously remove the popped corn, a delivery chute extending into said cylinder and communicating with said sieve for continuously dischargirm the popped corn, and a series of battles outside of said sieve and delivery chute, arranged to regulate the fcedof the unpoppcd corn from said inlet toward the opposite end of aid cylinder and over the outer wall thereof, substan tial ly its-described.

to end of said rylinder being slightly in gcr than ed corn into said cylincocoon 28. In an automatic, continuously operating popping machine, the combination of a revoluhle popping cylinder having on inletfor the unpoppcd corn at one end and u discharge outlet ior waste at its opposite end, a separator sieve one a delivery chute ext, urranged'to continuously i. now: and C barge the popped corn, and a series of bullies outside of said sieve und'deliw cry chute for regulating the feed oi the unpoppfll coi'n through said cylinder from said inlet to said waste outlet, substantially as described.

29. In an automatic, continuously operating popping machine, the combination of a revoluhle popping :ylindei' having an inlet for unpopped corn at one end and a discharge outlet for Waste at its opposite en(l,.iueons for con-' tlnuously feeding the unpopped corn into sold cylinder through said inlet, snid cylinder having an inclined bottom portion for effecting the gradual feed of the popped corn lherei'hrough from said inlet to said Waste outlet and over the outer wall of sohl cylinder, a separutor sieve and a do livery chute extending; through said cylinder between said inlet and said waste outlet arranged to continuously rcmove the popped corn and discharge iiieszime from said cylinder and a series of bullies outside of :4illl sieve and delivery chute for regulating the feed of \mpopped corn from said inlet to said Waste outlet, substui'iiially as deseribcd.

' .ll. in popping machines, the combination with a revbluble popping cylinder, of a delivery cone for popped corn removably mounted in said cylinder and discharging: through one end thereof, said cone having a longitudinal inlet opening and a separator. sieve fixed at one'ed ie to said cylinder and at its other edge communieatiny with the inlet opening of said cone, substantially as described.

32. in popping machines, the combination with a revoluhle popping cylinder, of a delivery cone for popped corn in said cylinder and discharging through one endthcreof, said cone having :1 longitudinal inlet opening, a separator sieve for separating the popped from the unpopped corn extending nhoutsaid done and communicating with the inlet opening thereof to deliver the popped corn thereto and o, deflector in said cone extending in. circumferentlal direction over said opening to prevent the return of the pODDC-d corn, substantially as described.

83.. In popping machines, the combination with a revoluhle popping cvliuder, of a delivery cone for popped corn in said cyllnd and discharging through one end thereof, said cone having u longitudinal inlet opening, a sepnrutor sieve for separating the popped from the uupopped corn communicating with the inlet opening oi. said cone to deliver the popped corn thereto a separating; deilcclor .of ioi'aminous material in said cone and o i'ieodlug' over said inlet opening to prevent the return oi the popped corn. substantially as described. 1

machines, the combination with a popping cylinder, of 11 delivery cone removably mounted in said cylinder, and opening Through one end thereof, said cone having a longitudinal inlet slot, do inclined supportlug strip fixed in said cylinder and arranged on one side of the inlet; slot of said cone and a curved separator screen in said cylinder secured at oneedge to the wall thereof and at its other edge to mild supporting strip. substantially as described. y

35. In popping machines, the combination with a popping cylinder of Ioraminous material, 012 a sieve for separoting the popped eorniu said cylinder and a protecting guard plate arranged in said cylinder between the outer 36. in popping machines, the combination with a popping cylinder of. fol-ominous material, of a sieve i'orsepn rating the popped corn in sold cylinder end prot ling through saidcyllnder;

' closing casing. of a popping chamber in said casin 'guorctplates of lmperi'orate' inui'erini arranged in said cylinder between the outer Wall. thereof and said "separator sieve, substantially as dcs'lcrihcll. J

iii, in an automatic, coptiuuouely operating poppingmacliino, the combination of aulurlosliu: easing, of a pop- .ping' chambi in said casing haviiu. an inlet for corn at one eudand axdisehai'ge outlet for waste at its oppositev end and means for oilectlng the or dual feed of the unpopped corn through the same from said inlet to said waste outlet, a preliminary heater for the unpopped corn in said casing ubo've said popping chamber having eonveyer means for feeding the corn'therethrough, means for feeding corn to said preliminary hector, menus for feeding corn from said preliminary heater to the inlet of said popplug chamber and ineuns for continuously separating and discharging the popped corn l'roiu saidpopplng chamber, substantially as described.

38. in an automatic, continuously operating popping machine, the combination of a casing comprising n main body portion and an upper hood, :1 popping chamber in said main body portion having means for fo ding the. unpopped corn theretbrough and means for co. uol mating and discharging: the popped corn, :1 prcl heater in said hood above said cylinder having conveyor menus for tel-ding the unpopperl corn therethrough, menus for teedin' corn to said preliminary heater, means for feeding corn from said preliminary heater to said popping chamber. a tire box in said casing below said popping chamber and menus for regulating the passage of beet between said main body portion and said hood, substun llally as (leocribell.

39. in an automaiie, continuously operating popping machine. the combination of a casing, a revoluble popping cylinder in said casing havingmeons for feeding the un popped corn therethroueh and for continuously separating and discha r ing the popped corn, :1 rcvoluhle heating cylinder in said casing above said popping cylinder having con veyer means to: feeding the unpopped corn therethrough, incline for feerliug corn to said heatlii cylinder and means for feeding; corn from said heatingcyllnder to sold. poppinc; cylinder, substantially no descri $0. in popping machines. the coinhinutiou with an ing, a preliminary heater in said casing above said popping chamber. conveying means for feeding the corn through said preliminary heater, a hopper at the inlet of said heater, means for feeding corn from said hopper to said heater, a hopper lit the outlet end of said heater and means for feeding corn therefrom to said popping chamber, substantially as described.

41. in popping machines, the combination with an inclosing casing. of a revoluble popping cylinder in said casing, a rorolubie helitlng cylinder in said casing above said popping cylinder, means for feeding corn through said heating ylindcr, means for lending corn from said heating cylinder to said popping cylinder, and driving connections between said cylinders to rotate the some in unison, sub stautlnlly as described.

clout; casing. n r

revoluble beating cylinder in wild cesium popping cylinder, convl *or means through, a hopper iii. the outlet. end of sold heater cylludei, a rotary valve connected to said heater cylinder for feedin: corn thereto from said hopper, a hopper at the out let end of said heater cylinder and a rotary valve conuected to sold popping cylinder for feeding corn thereto from said second hopper substantially as described.

43. in :1 popping machine, a preliminary heater for the uupopped corn comprising a revolublc cylinder and a series of oppositely wound spirals ulternately'arronged side by side in said cylinder, substantially as described.

44. In u popping machine, a. preliminary heeter for the unpopped corn comprlsiiu, o. revoluble cylinder of gauze and :1 series of. oppositely wound spiraisof gauze ulternaiely arranged within said cylinder, substantially as do scribed. I 4

in a popping machine, :1 preliminary heater for the uupopp ul corn comprising, o, rcvoluble eyliiuler. oi wire gauze, cross partitions dividing said cylindoiyinto conirolulie popping cylinder in said 25ml 5 Mill e ventral openings in each alternate partition.

edges; 0! the other p titions nnd oppowound spn is of guuze alternately arranged in said 'iilluills for feeding the corn back and forth from lo the p livery of .r iid cylinder and through said from cmnpnrtlnent to compartment, substantially in u popping machine, at prellniinliry heater for the unpopped corn romprisinz; n revolublo cylinder, cru, partitions in said cylinder dividing the same into coinpnrln-enls. central openiz in each alternate partition openlne es of the other partitions, oppositely wound spirals alternately arranged in siiid compartments and inclined plates opposite Eiild openings for deflecting rn from compartment to compartment through said suhstn tinlly as described.

-11. In popping inuchim the combination with it popchanibrr ol a preliminary heater for the uupupped corn coin; ng n re olu'lile cylinder, oppositely wound alternately nrrnnyed side by side in said cylinder. or feeding separate charges of corn to said heating; inuer and means forv feeding orn from suid heater to d popping clrmiher, substantially as described.

7 in pop} 'ng machines, a revolnhle popping cylinder. an inlet for corn at. one endof said cylindeia a prelimiter comprising :i series of oppositely Wound ,dilgl d side by side at the inlet end of said cyL linlly as described. I )lILS; machines, a revolnble popping cylinder,

"'iiona it the inlet end of. the cylinder forming hr. compz. Jnients, openings alternately center and edge portions of said partitions ils alternately arranged in said through said openings,

inchii u revolnhle fr.) ,iniinons; popnn her 4; Lil inlet for corn at one end, means eding 1-,; mrnlie charges of corn through said inlet, a

inlet for corn at one end of said cylinder. :1 series of series ofmross partitions forming preliminary heating comp-turnouts li the-inlet end of said c'lin(1er.and a. series of oppositely wound for-ominous spirals alternately nrmnged in suid compartments for feeding the corn thercthrongn, snhstuntiznlly as des 'ihed.

51. in an anioniuric. continuously operating machine, the combinution of a popping chamber hn. ii; an inlet for the unpopped corn at one end, menus for no on ously feeding the corn into said ehumbei ihrough wai let, a preliminary heater for the unpopped corn at tlr inlet end. 01". said chamber, having conveyer means for feeding the unpopped 'corn' therethrough, means in said cylinder arranged to effect the gradual, retarded feed of the un popped corn from said preliminary heater to the-Qipptr site discharge end of said chamber and means in saidcyl' inder extending from said preliminary heater to the dis charge end thereof arranged to continuously separatethe popped corn and continuously discharge the same there from, substantially as described.

32, in popping machines, a reroluble popping cylinderpopped corn from one end to the other of said chamber, a

series of burners arr-ringed beneath said chzunher from end to end thereof and a sales of swinging deflectors between.

said burners for dire ng the lie-it therefrom to different points, substantially as described.

NATHANIEL B. POST.

Witnesses:

LILLlAN lllEN'llCll,

FRED Gunmen. 

